In vitro antimicrobial activity of Urtica dioica L. extract againstAcne-inducing bacteria

Objective: Bacterial skin infections are the 28th most common diagnosis in hospitalized patients. Propionibacterium acnesand Staphylococcus epidermidis have been recognized as pus-forming Bacteria triggering an inflammation in acne. Acnevulgaris is characterized as a superficial disease that affects the hair follicles and oil secreting glands of the skin. The presentstudy was conducted to evaluate antimicrobial activities of native plant (Urtica dioica L.) against these etiologic agents ofacne vulgaris.Methods: Ethanolic: extracts of Urtica dioica L. (Leaves) were tested for antimicrobial activities by disc diffusion and brothdilution methods. The results from the disc diffusion method showed that native extract could inhibit the growth ofPropionibacterium acnes. Based on a broth dilution method, the U.dioica extract had the greatest antimicrobial effect.Results: The MIC values were the same (0.12 mg/ml) for both bacterial species and the MBC values were 1.25 and 0.486mg/ml against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, respectively.Conclusion: Phytochemical screening of U.dioica revealed the presence of alkaloid which could be responsible for activity.In conclusion, our data indicated that U.dioica extract had a strong inhibitory effect on Propionibacterium acnes andStaphylococcus epidermidis.

Keywords:

Antimicrobial activity , Urtica dioica , Acne , P. acne , S.aureus